Are Dental Implants Painful

Dental implants are the most recommended treatment for replacing missing teeth. This is because they look, feel, and function just like the natural teeth once did. 

The procedure for dental implants is considered a surgery. Unfortunately, the word surgery is usually associated with negative connotations. Many patients fear that this surgery is painful. If you are asking yourself the same question, you arrived at the right place. Below we have outlined some crucial information about dental implants with the goal of answering some of your questions.

Does Dental Implant Surgery Hurt?

The dental implant surgery should not hurt. It is performed with local anesthesia during the entire process. The nerve surrounding the implant area will be numb and you should not feel any pain. It is very likely that you will feel other sensations such as drilling, pressure, and poking but you should not experience pain during the surgery. 

Once the anesthesia has worn out and the surgery has been completed, you will most likely begin to feel discomfort. However, this sensation should not impede you from your daily routine. It is important that you keep this in mind since anticipating pain could cause more pain than the actual ache does. 

Dental Implant Steps

The entire procedure to finalize the dental implants can be lengthy. There are three main steps required for the procedure: 

Step 1: A surgery is performed to create a space in the gums and jawbones for the titanium post. The post is inserted and secured. This process is done under local anesthesia. 

Step 2: The jawbone begins to grow and unite with the surface of the dental implant. This process can take up to several months. 

Step 3: The abutment is placed on the post. This is often done through mild surgery. Local anesthesia will be applied to the area.

Is the Healing Process for Dental Implants Painful?

Once the initial surgery is completed, the anesthesia will begin to wear off. It is normal to experience some discomfort a few days post-surgery. This low level of pain should be easy to manage.

Some patients will experience gum bruising and soreness in the area of the surgery. There could also be sensitivity on the cheeks, chin, and under the eyes. In addition, it is normal to have some bleeding. 

How to Manage the Pain After Dental Implants Surgery?

Patients who experience low levels of pain can find relief by putting an ice pack near the sore area. This helps to decrease swelling and soreness. It is also helpful to eat soft foods for the 10 to 14 days following the surgery. Rinsing the mouth with salt water in the days after the procedure can also aid in soothing the gum tissues.

How Long Should I Experience Pain After A Dental Implant Surgery?

Every individual is unique when it comes to healing from a surgery. We encourage you to give yourself up to three months to fully recover post-treatment. If you are experiencing pain after three months, you could be suffering from one of the following:

• Infection
• Autoimmune disease
• Allergic reaction
• Nerve or tissue damage
• Low blood supply
• Poor health

If your pain persists after three months, please contact our clinic right away. This is not a normal outcome of dental implants and should be looked at sooner than later. 

Dental implants are highly sought after by people that have suffered tooth loss. While it is a lengthy process to undergo, you can expect that it will be relatively painless. We understand that you might have more questions in regard to the procedure, the recovery, or even your specific situation. Please do not hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists. We are happy to help guide you through this journey.